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| Our Haveli, Lal Singh Bhawan in Shamli |
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| Posing with Design |
Shamli is a beautiful place. Our haveli is visible from the entrance of the colony. The road of the colony was narrow but clean. It was also surrounded by small houses built in or around the same age.
The haveli was built by my Great-Grandfather’s father Lala Lal Singh in 1936. Hence, the name of the mansion is also Lal Singh Bhawan. A few kilometres ahead is the great Lal Singh Market, which too was established by him. There are also some plots two kilometres aways, which was once a beautiful 72 Bigha Orchard. Some of this land was annexed by antisocial elements.
As soon as we entered the fence, I saw my cute little cousin Satyansh playing with his friends, some games actively in the large open space outside the mansion on which at some time, meetings, parties and even weddings used to be held. Nevertheless, the place was then deserted. I entered through the grand arched gate.
On the top of the building was written Lala Lal Singh in English. I wondered that my great-great grandfather knew english at that time! It must have been a great achievement.
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| A candid shot from the balcony with my cousin Satyansh. |
The whole building is painted yellow with a combination of other colours.
The house has an open veranda with rooms in the side. Here is the room in which my mom and dad lived for one year after their marriage. They had a dressing table with mnemoics SN for Sanjeev and Neelam. I climbed the stairs.
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| Locate your eyes as far as you can, It’s the campus of Lal Singh Bhawan. |
I met our Chachis, Amma and Baba ji and exchanged a few pleasantries. Then we rushed to grandfather’s room which is very near to the balcony. One peculiar thing that I noticed is that, every room adjoining the balcony has three consecutive doors regardless of the outer door of the veranda.
The rooms are so damp that we didn’t feel as hot and humid as we’d have felt elsewhere.
We visited the terrace and got a few pictures clicked. The rooftop is so high that we can get the view of the whole Shamli. Even of the sugar mill that is 10 km ahead.
There are many rooms (or barsatis) most of which are vacant and some are locked.
I must appreciate the architectural skills and generosity our ancestors had. The biggest factor is echo.
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| Another candid shot of Me and Satyansh. |
I was playing badminton with Satyansh, still I could hear the voices of the second floor. Even while I were on the terrace, I could hear the same voices. Incredible! Isn’t it?
I had lunch at the same place which was very delicious.
In the afternoon, Satyansh took me to the market area which was full of exciting hustle-bustle. The area is famous for it’s soft drink-lemon soda. Sorry! but I don’t have any picture of the place. I had my monday fast so couldn’t try that delicacy out.
After that, we visited Sarita Taiji’s home which is very near to the haveli, she is a very talented lady with a vibrant personality.
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| A beautiful craft made by Sarita Taiji. |
I really had fun. Now I come to know that why did children of bygone age loved to spend their vacations at their grandparents’. These places, despite being ordinary have a thousand stories to tell which cannot be expressed in words. Everyone, at some point of time, loves to go on a historical tour; But I’d rather like to call it a genealogical tour.